Negros Occidental allocates P411M to brace for severe El Niño

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental is mobilizing resources to prepare for what officials describe as a severe El Niño phenomenon expected to peak in the coming months. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced Thursday that the province would set aside P411 million in disaster funds for 2027 to address anticipated impacts from the weather pattern.

The El Niño conditions are forecast to intensify from October and persist through the first quarter of 2027, potentially affecting water supplies and agricultural productivity across the province. Lacson expressed hope that the effects would not extend beyond the first quarter, signaling concern over prolonged drought conditions.

The allocation reflects growing anxiety in the region as other parts of the country already grapple with water shortages. The city of Butuan has been particularly hard hit by water supply problems, highlighting the urgency of disaster preparedness measures across the southern Philippines.

Local government units in Negros Occidental are expected to coordinate with the provincial government to ensure effective distribution of resources and implementation of drought mitigation strategies. The disaster fund is intended to support emergency response operations and provide relief to affected communities throughout the anticipated El Niño period.